The British government has announced plans to prohibit the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, such as Red Bull, to young people under the age of 16 in England. The move, unveiled on Wednesday, is aimed at protecting children’s health and improving educational outcomes.

Health Minister Wes Streeting stressed the long-term benefits of the measure:“By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for 

Government figures suggest that up to one-third of 13 to 16-year-olds in England regularly consume energy drinks, some of which contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee.

Although many supermarkets have already imposed a voluntary ban on selling such drinks to children, concerns remain about their widespread availability in smaller shops.

Streeting added: “How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of a double espresso in their system on a daily basis? We’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on.”

At present, drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre must carry a warning label stating that they are not recommended for children.

However, ministers believe stronger measures are necessary. A 12-week consultation will now be launched, inviting evidence from:

• Public health experts
• Parents and teachers
• Retailers and manufacturers

Streeting underlined the negative effects of excessive caffeine and sugar consumption among young people: “Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity.”

Key Facts at a Glance

The government’s initiative marks a significant step in addressing the growing concerns around children’s consumption of high-caffeine, high-sugar beverages.